Common Types of Car Collisions and How to Avoid Them

Every time you get behind the wheel and head out on the road, there's honestly some level of risk that you might end up in a car accident. But here's the thing: knowing how different types of collisions actually happen can go a long way toward helping you avoid getting caught up in dangerous situations.

From minor fender benders that just mess up your day to major crashes that can change everything, each type of collision comes with its own specific causes, risks, and prevention strategies.

One accident that catches a lot of drivers completely off guard is a sideswipe collision, which happens way more often than people think, usually when drivers fail to check their blind spots properly or just drift into adjacent lanes without realizing it. But that's honestly just one example among many different types of crashes you need to watch out for.

Understanding the most common types of car collisions and learning how to avoid them can help keep you, your passengers, and your vehicle safe, no matter where you're driving or what conditions you're dealing with.

You will likely encounter rear-end crashes the most often. The cause of a rear-end crash is usually drivers tailgating or tunnel focusing when the traffic in front of them suddenly stops.

Rear-end collisions happen daily to motorists in heavy traffics where vehicles are constantly accelerating and decelerating or at intersections where a driver did not expect the vehicle to stop suddenly.

The best defence for a rear-end crash is to leave a reputable distance behind the vehicle that you are following. That old rule of thumb where you are supposed to be three seconds behind is not just a recommendation; it gives you the time to react to the unexpected. In bad weather and/or poor visibility you need even more space.

Another important factor in preventing these types of crashes is staying alert and not distracted by anything that might take your concentration. It is vital to put your phone down, do not adjust the radio or GPS while your driving, and constantly monitor the traffic ahead of you. Your distraction, while it may only take a few seconds, could be enough time for traffic in front of you to come to a complete stop.

You must also monitor your rearview mirrors while driving, particularly when decelerating or stopping your vehicle. If you observe someone coming up behind you very quickly, you can react by changing lanes or at least bracing for the impact.

Sideswipe collisions occur when a car drifts into a neighbouring lane, and both vehicles make contact. This commonly results from drivers changing lanes without checking their blind spots, forgetting to signal their intentions, or simply losing focus and wandering out of their lane without realizing it.

Some common things to cause these lane change accidents happen when someone is trying to get over in a hurry, when someone is trying to squeeze into a small space between vehicles, or when someone simply is not aware of the adjacent lanes and the vehicles occupying them. These types of accidents are even more likely to happen when there is a high volume of traffic because people are packed much closer together; as a result there is less room for error.

Prevention of lane change collisions starts with noticing and checking your mirrors and blind spots before making a lane change. Always use your turn signal every single time you change lanes, even when you think it is obvious what you are doing. Other drivers do not know what you are thinking unless you signal your intentions. Signaling is important to eliminate confusion.

Also, make an effort to center yourself in your lane while driving. Avoid and mitigate that drifting habit, especially when tired or distracted. Be extra careful and take your time when there is little room in tight lanes or when there is heavy traffic. It is always best to wait for the right opportunity than force a bad maneuver.

T-bone crashes often occur at intersection where one vehicle does not stop and collides the side of another vehicle. In most cases, these accidents are caused by motorists proceeding through a red light, rolling through a stop sign or not yielding to a vehicle who has the right-of-way.

Side-impact collisions can result in serious injuries because vehicles have less protection on the sides in comparison to the front and back. Unlike the engine compartment and the trunk area which can absorb some of the crash energy, the doors and windows do not protect anywhere near the same amount.

Prevention for side-impact collisions translates into obeying traffic signals and stop signs when you are in a hurry or when you believe the intersection is clear; and always double-check for cross-traffic before entering an intersection.

Be especially cautious at intersections where you may have limited visibility due to buildings or other obstructions. Slow down and look both ways before entering an intersection, ensure that you are making a safe choice.

By understanding how different types of collisions and incidents occur along with knowledge of some specific measures to prevent them via proactive measures should make you a safer, more confident driver. Whether it's avoiding a sideswipe collision by checking your blind spots correctly or preventing a rear-end collision by staying within a safe following distance, minor accommodations or good driving habits can prevent significant problems.

Stay alert and intentional while driving, and to try your best to obey traffic laws consistently, and consciously practice methodologies associated with defensive driving every single time you drive.

Understanding that you drive in such a way to reduce risk and increase safety rather than just reacting to situation will produced significant improvement in you chance of not becoming another statistic and will contribute to keeping your drives safe and enjoyable!